Victims of the recent fire outbreak that destroyed a petroleum filling station in Nkwoegwu Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, have appealed to the state government for assistance after estimating their losses at about ₦140 million.

Speaking on Wednesday, the owner of the filling station, Mr. Chinonso Ahamefula, recounted that the fire broke out while a fuel tanker was offloading petrol at about 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.

According to him, the tanker suddenly caught fire without any warning signs, and despite efforts by workers to put out the flames using fire extinguishers, water, and sand, the blaze spread rapidly.

"Within 10 minutes, there was fire coming from under the truck," he said.

Ahamefula commended the Abia State Fire Service for its swift response, noting that firefighters battled the inferno for between six and seven hours, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. He also praised members of the community for joining the rescue effort.

"The fire service did their best. If not for their intervention, this place would have been completely destroyed.

"We also thank the community for their support. They tried everything, but couldn't stop the fire," he added.

He said the fire destroyed the station's fuel pumps, solar power system, and other facilities, while the fuel tanker was completely burnt.

According to him, nearby businesses also suffered significant damage, including a provision store where goods and a refrigerator were destroyed, bringing the total estimated losses to about ₦140 million.

"Since the incident, the station has been unable to operate. I'm overwhelmed by calls and requests from affected shop owners and do not know where to begin rebuilding.

"I'm pleading with our governor to come and assist me. The loss is huge. I don't know where to start life again. I know he's a listening governor with a human heart. I'm begging him to help so this place can function again," he said.

Ahamefula noted that the filling station is currently the only one serving the area, adding that its closure is already affecting residents and businesses.

Another victim, Mrs. Oluchi Nwosu, said the disaster left her family homeless after both their residence and shop were destroyed.

"First of all, I thank God that no life was lost. That is the most important thing, but we don't have anything left. I'm pleading with the government and all concerned to help us.

"Many things were destroyed. Nothing was salvaged from the fire. Our houses, our shops and the filling station were all lost.

"I'm begging the government to come to our aid. We need help to rebuild. Please also assist my brother who manages the filling station. He wasn't here when it happened, and it was not intentional. It was an accident," she said.

Responding, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, said the prompt intervention of the Abia State Fire Service prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.

He explained that the fire service received a distress call at 6:35 p.m. on June 14 and arrived at the scene by 6:50 p.m., where firefighters found a tanker offloading 45,000 litres of petrol already engulfed in flames.

According to him, the firefighters successfully contained the fire within the filling station and the tanker, preventing it from reaching a nearby hospital, shops, and other buildings. He added that additional fire trucks were deployed from Aba, while the Federal Fire Service also joined the operation.

Alajemba confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.

He said the successful response reflected Governor Alex Otti's continued investment in emergency services over the past two years.

He also urged residents to contact the Abia State Fire Service through 09032858657 or the state's medical emergency line on 0813356900 during emergencies, adding that certified fire extinguishers can help contain fires before they escalate.

On the request for government assistance, Alajemba said Governor Alex Otti is a leader who listens to the concerns of citizens and would consider the appeal in line with due process.